For 62 years London workers have been building the best locomotives in the world.
The workers at Electro Motive Diesel should be proud of their skills and a job well done.
I cannot understand why Caterpillar has chosen to announce the permanent closure of the EDM facility and leave behind a valuable and skilled workforce. I cannot understand why Caterpillar would not return to the table and negotiate a reasonable solution for both the company and the men and women who have made the company a profitable enterprise. I cannot understand why Caterpillar has not stepped up and acted in good faith and demonstrated respect for its employees.
I am disappointed in the company’s actions and its apparent unwillingness to provide a fair wage and reasonable benefit package. The decision to shut down this manufacturing plant will impact hundreds of workers and families and I understand this day and the coming weeks will be difficult ones. This is an emotional time and one that leaves many questions unanswered.
This has been a tough day but EMD workers will know that they are not alone and in the coming weeks, our community will pull together and bring whatever resources available to get them back on their feet and ready to meet the challenges.
Londoners will continue to stand with EMD employees and support them.
Our people are our greatest asset. We know their value and we respect them.
Our thoughts today are with you and your families.
This is a serious loss, but we will support you and together we will move forward.
When one of us succeeds we all benefit. This is a message that I have carried to Londoners for the past two years and, indeed, prior to that in my campaign. In order for our city to be the best it can be we have to work together to promote what makes us great – what sets us apart – we need to shine our own light. This was a message echoed by those who gathered for the Mayor’s Economic Prosperity Council. The group identified the need to break down silos and share. It urged Londoners to collectively promote and educate across sectors and work cooperatively for a greater good – for the benefit of all Londoners.